Besides coaching fellow skip Rachel Homan next season, Brendan Bottcher and the reigning world champion will form a mixed doubles team that will attempt to qualify for the mixed doubles Olympic trials set for late December. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press/File)
Brendan Bottcher, known for his success in curling, is making a surprising move back into the sport, but not in the way many expected. After parting ways with his former team a month ago, Bottcher has decided to transition into coaching. His new role will see him guiding Rachel Homan's team for the upcoming season and beyond.
Explaining his decision, Bottcher shared that he took some time to reflect on his future and what truly ignites his passion. He expressed admiration for both Homan and her team, highlighting their remarkable achievements in the past season. Bottcher expressed excitement about joining forces with them, eager to contribute to their continued success.
Additionally, Bottcher will team up with world champion Rachel Homan to form a mixed doubles team. Their goal is to qualify for the mixed doubles Olympic trials scheduled for late December, with hopes of representing Canada at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Games in Italy. Bottcher emphasized their shared commitment to winning and their determination to put in the necessary effort to achieve their goals.
The announcement of Bottcher's coaching role came after his split from his former team, which included Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert, in mid-April. Reflecting on this transition, Bottcher acknowledged the unexpected nature of the change but expressed gratitude for the positive experiences and growth he had with his former team.
Despite the shift to coaching, Bottcher emphasized that he is not done with competitive curling and has ambitious plans for his return to the sport. He sees this period as an opportunity to develop new skills and perspectives that will ultimately make him a better player when he resumes competitive play.
Homan, who recently achieved success at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the world championship, expressed enthusiasm about Bottcher joining her coaching staff. She praised his experience, leadership, and strategic insights, highlighting the value he brings to the team both on and off the ice.
In his new coaching role, Bottcher will be taking over from Don Bartlett, who played a significant role in the team's success over the past few seasons. Bartlett expressed his support for Bottcher and the team's decision, acknowledging Bottcher's capabilities and contributions to the sport.
Rachelle Brown, who previously served as an alternate with Homan's team during their victories, will continue as a permanent member for the remainder of the Olympic cycle.
Overall, Bottcher's transition to coaching marks a new chapter in his curling career. While he prepares to guide Homan's team to further success, he remains committed to honing his skills and making a triumphant return to competitive play in the future.
